Why are CPU and GPU manufacturers trying to make transistors smaller and smaller instead of making the chips bigger so they can put more transistors?

Question

Why are CPU and GPU manufacturers trying to make transistors smaller and smaller instead of making the chips bigger so they can put more transistors?

In: 11

Answer 1

There is only so much room to put things. You could easily build a supercomputer the size of the ENIAC, but that isn’t going to fit in someone’s office or living room. In order to fit more power into something that can conveniently fit within the consumer space the effort goes into making things smaller so you can pack more power into a more practical space.

It also uses less material, lowering expenses. The more material you use, the higher the cost and the less you have to make other transistors.